Let me say that I have only delivered ONE cake order. but a recent post got me thinking... so let me detail my one cake order. I pulled up to the meeting space and I got out and greeted her, then handed her, the invoice. She was very pleasant and handed me a check for a total amount due. I then went into my truck, handed her a cake box, reached into my truck handed her willing daughter another cake, then she was back and then I handed her the thrid cake. I said thank you and let me know how you like them.

so is this "a normal transaction"?

Sounds fairly normal to me. Of the cakes that I have delivered, several of them have been to offices. One thing that I always bring along is an inexpensive cake cutter/server (I include them for free to the customer, I buy them at Big Lots for $0.99 each). I ask if it's needed (it has been needed at least 75% of the time). If not, I keep it for the next time. I fold the invoice and put it in an envelope, along with some extra business cards and a cake cutting guide if the cake is anything other than a sheet cake. I hand the envelope to the person in charge of payment, and they usually hand me a check right back. I thank them for their order and see myself to the door. I haven't been selling cakes for that long, so someone else's method might be much better than mine. It's worked well for me so far though!

How often do you deliver cakes rather than people picking them up?
Thanks

Do you charge for delivery?

The cake server idea is a great one!

I charge for all party cake deliveries unless its right down the road a few miles. I include free delivery with weddings unless it is more than 30 or so miles away. Most people try to pick up their cakes to save delivery charges.

I help them take the box to their car and make sure it is safe, and then they usually hand me the money without me asking since we have already made sure of the price beforehand. The invoice and a business card is always taped to the box if they need to look.

I usually email the customer a few days later to ask if there were any problems with the cake and see if they have any questions or comments.

I think that is a very polite, "clean" business transaction - to the point! I have a stupid question about invoicing.....when you quote a price, do you put down the total price for that sized cake, break it down price per serving on the invoice and/or add the extras? I am doing my first paid cake and if asked how I figured the price, want to be able to show it (not that I should have to prove how I come up with my prices). Being this is my first paid cake job, and she is a friend, will be giving a "first customer" discount, but will still make a small profit from the cake - the discount will be shown on the invoice so she is aware cakes that size (11x15) do not normally cost $40.

deb